Canada Commits to a Modern, Homegrown Airlift Fleet with New Bombardier Multi-Role Aircraft

When the Government of Canada announced a major new contract to deliver a fleet of Canadian-built Global 6500 aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), it signalled far more than a procurement milestone. It marked a defining moment in the country’s push to rebuild its military capabilities, reinvigorate its aerospace sector, and reshape how Canada buys the capabilities it needs to operate at home and abroad.

Unveiled in Mississauga on December 12, 2025, by Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) Stephen Fuhr, Minister Rechie Valdez, and Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy, the decision awards Bombardier the contract to provide six Global 6500 aircraft under the Airlift Capability Project – Multi-role Flight Service. As one of the first procurements shepherded through the new Defence Investment Agency (DIA), the initiative embodies Canada’s evolving philosophy: strategic speed, economic impact, and a strong emphasis on Canadian-made solutions.

A New Era of Airlift Capability

The Global 6500 will replace the long-serving CC-144 Challenger fleet, bringing a new generation of performance and flexibility to missions that span the globe. These aircraft will take on everything from utility flights and aeromedical evacuations to humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and national security operations.

The contract—valued at an estimated $753 million CAD—includes crew and technician training, military-specific modifications, and a streamlined acquisition path that aims to deliver the first aircraft by summer 2027. Initial operational capability is set for the end of that year, underscoring the DIA’s mandate to accelerate military procurement.

As Minister Joël Lightbound emphasized:
“By choosing a Canadian-built fleet, we’re putting our industry, our workers, and our incredible aerospace talent front and centre. This investment supports good jobs here at home while giving the Royal Canadian Air Force modern, versatile aircraft they can rely on for humanitarian missions, medical evacuations, and national security operations. Canadian expertise continues to drive the capabilities our Armed Forces need to keep Canadians safe.”

DIA’s Procurement Transformation on Full Display

For Canada, this project showcases the Defence Investment Agency’s mission: cut red tape, speed timelines, and deliver meaningful results for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The process represents a new era—one where industrial benefits, capability delivery, and national security needs align more seamlessly.

As Stephen Fuhr noted:
“The award of this contract to purchase the Global 6500 under the Defence Investment Agency is a turning point in how Canada equips its military. By streamlining processes and cutting red tape, the Defence Investment Agency is accelerating the delivery of the versatile capabilities the Royal Canadian Air Force needs. Canada has a world-class aerospace industry, and this investment will harness that strength to create good-paying jobs, drive innovation, and bolster our security.”

Operational Flexibility for a Global Mission Set

For the RCAF, the new fleet represents a significant leap forward in readiness, reliability, and mission range. Beyond government transport, the Global 6500’s speed, endurance, and versatility make it a powerful tool for strategic mobility across Canada’s vast geography and unpredictable operational environment.

Defence Minister David J. McGuinty underscored the operational importance:
“The acquisition of the Global 6500 represents an important investment into the future operational effectiveness of our Royal Canadian Air Force. These modern aircraft will enhance operational flexibility and readiness and support Canada’s strategic air mobility in Canada and abroad. On the global stage, this fleet reflects our enduring commitment to supporting Canada’s aerospace industry and maintaining our national identity.”

A Boost for Canadian Aerospace—and Mississauga in Particular

Bombardier’s win delivers more than new aircraft—it delivers economic momentum. More than 60 Canadian suppliers will contribute to the production, and the contract is projected to generate over 900 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.

Minister Mélanie Joly highlighted the domestic industrial impact:
“Today’s awarding of the multi-role aircraft contract to Bombardier demonstrates our government’s commitment to outfitting our armed forces with the equipment necessary to keep Canadians safe, while buying Canadian wherever possible. Through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, this contract will reinforce Canada’s expertise in the strategic areas of aerospace and defence, strengthen our defence industrial base, and create economic opportunities across the country.”

And for Mississauga—a major aerospace hub—the work represents a new wave of advanced manufacturing activity.

Minister Rechie Valdez emphasized the community benefits:
“Building these aircrafts in Mississauga is good news for workers and their families in our community. This investment will support good paying jobs, grow our local economy, and reinforce Mississauga’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing. It is a clear example of how when we invest in Canada’s security, we are also strengthening communities.”

Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry echoed the significance:
“Acquiring this fleet will ensure the Royal Canadian Air Force is well-equipped for its future missions, while creating new opportunities for Canada’s aerospace sector. Through the application of the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy to this procurement, the Government of Canada will ensure that it strengthens our defence industrial base, helps empower small and medium-sized businesses, and advances research and development across the country.”

Pride in a Homegrown Platform

For Bombardier, the contract represents both a national contribution and a point of pride. The Global 6500 is already recognized internationally for its performance and multi-mission capability—now it will serve in a distinctly Canadian role.

Bombardier President and CEO Éric Martel captured the sentiment:
“The Global 6500 aircraft is a world-class, made-in-Canada product with the versatility to perform multiple missions, making it the go-to solution for governments around the world. Today, the more than 12,000 Canadians who work at Bombardier can take great pride in knowing that this aircraft will now serve their country.”

A Strategic Investment with Long-Term Impact

As Canada rebuilds its military and revitalizes its defence industrial base, this contract shows the direction of travel: Canadian-made solutions, faster procurement cycles, and deep collaboration between government, industry, and the workforce that powers the country’s aerospace ambition.

The RCAF gains an essential new fleet. The Canadian economy gains jobs, innovation, and supply-chain opportunities. And Canada’s aerospace sector reinforces its standing as a global leader.

The Global 6500 announcement is more than a procurement update—it’s a statement of intent.



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